A Gathering of Family and Friends is from 2:00 - 3:00 PM Thursday, December 2nd at the McGilley Antioch Chapel where a Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00 PM. The family suggests contributions to the University of Kansas Medical Center Kidney Transplant Department.
James was born May 25, 1965 in Kansas City, MO and was raised by Jack and Florence (Foster) Willis. He attended North Kansas City High School. James was employed by the city of Kansas City, MO with the Parks and Recreation Department until his retirement in 2019. On December 22, 1984 he married Kelly Oak. They have three children, Amanda, Jessica and James Owen. James liked fishing, gardening and working outside. For many years he fulfilled the role of Santa Claus at Penguin Park.
Survivors include his wife, Kelly Willis; the three children, Amanda Willis, Jessica Willis and husband, Sam, and James Owen Willis; and two grandchildren, Angelynn Mitchell and Carter Arzola; a step-father, Jack Foster; and countless other close family members and friends.